NBN Co signs Universal Communications Group and Downer EDI

NBN Co is focusing specialist attention on the complex task of connecting flats and units to the National Broadband Network, signing contracts with two companies to begin the wide-scale rollout to multidwelling units (MDUs).

The contracts will enable NBN Co to begin rolling out the network to around 17,600 blocks of flats and units across four states and territories over the next two years. NBN Co plans to enter into contracts for additional states progressively, beginning in the first quarter of next year, on the way to rolling out high-speed broadband access to every home, business, school and hospital in Australia.

The details of the contracts are as follows:

Downer EDI Limited, a leading Australian engineering and infrastructure management services company, has signed a contract for design and construction services covering a range of MDUs of different sizes over the next two years in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. The approximate value of the contract is up to $66 million.

Universal Communications Group Limited, based in Brisbane, has signed a contract for design and construction services covering a number of MDUs in Tasmania and metropolitan Sydney. The approximate value of the contract is up to $21 million over two years.

NBN Co Head of Network Operations Leisel Ramjoo said: “We’re taking a proactive approach to the rollout to apartments and flats both in terms of the design and construction and the engagement with owners corporations.

“The complexity of the task is exacerbated by the fact that there is no single method of connecting MDUs. For instance, a big block with 50 or more units will require one solution, a small block of flats will need another, so it may be necessary to do a bespoke survey and design for most.

“Yet while MDUs may be different shapes and designs, the service requirements of residents are much the same. This means we can take the approach that when we notify an owners corporation of our intention to cable their building, all premises in the building can be cabled up in anticipation that most people will want to retain a fixed-line telephone and internet service,” said Ramjoo.

So far, NBN Co has rolled out the network to 237 residential MDUs across Australia, with work underway on a further 131.

Both contracts were signed following an extensive tender process.